Let's Take it Outside: Take Your Houseplant on a Walk Day

Let’s Take it Outside: Take Your Houseplant on a Walk Day is June 27

Imagine a day when housebound pothos and peace lilies uproot themselves from their pots, break loose from their domestic confines, and march down the street en masse, a veritable parade of plants.

That fanciful image certainly exaggerates what the founders had in mind when they came up with Take Your Houseplant on a Walk Day. Though the exact origins are unknown (some give credit to American actor and voice over talent Thomas Roy and his wife, Ruth), the June 27 holiday is intended to be a lighthearted celebration of houseplants and all they do for us. (If you think they only look good, read on.)

It’s also a chance to give your houseplants a change of scenery, taking them outdoors for an hour or two for a breather.   

And who knows? If you like the way they look on your porch or patio — and they can tolerate the conditions — you might never bring them in again. 

Good Reasons

Aside from adding beauty and color to our homes, what makes houseplants worthy of a special day (and, in many cases, our undying devotion)?

Anyone who’s ever talked (or talked back) to their Dracaena trifasciata (known more familiarly as mother-in-law’s tongue) or tenderly pruned the leaves of their philodendron to encourage new growth can give you a few good reasons.

Houseplants are proven to contribute to our health and well-being. There’s even scientific evidence that caring for them can bring down stress levels and lighten our moods. 

What’s more, some varieties of houseplants actually act like little natural air purifiers, taking in toxins and pollutants before they get to our noses, eyes, or lungs. That’s not just an old gardeners’ tale, by the way: NASA studies have shown that certain species can help remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in indoor spaces. VOCs can come from sources like paint, cleaning products, and furniture, and can contribute to respiratory problems.

And for those of us who’ve watched carnival prize goldfish succumb after a day or two, houseplants provide a sense of accomplishment for keeping something living, well, alive. 

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Now, no one would expect you to literally take your houseplant on a walk. You can’t put them on a leash like a dog, although I suppose you could pack them into a stroller or wagon and strut about the neighborhood like the proud plant parent you are.

Really, though, Take Your Houseplant on a Walk Day is more about giving your houseplant some fresh air and indirect sunlight. Before your relocate them, however temporarily, it’s important for your plant’s health to take some precautions first:

• Don’t expose your houseplant to the sun’s harsh rays, and watch for signs of sunburn, primarily bleached or discolored leaves. Though cacti and succulents are often tough enough to take direct sun, some actually prefer part shade. Definitely make sure your ferns and ivy are in full shade.
• Water your houseplant before you take it outside.  Sunlight and wind can dry it out faster. 
• Be mindful of the heat. While most houseplants enjoy warmer temperatures, provide shade during the hottest part of the day. 
• Watch for bugs and diseases. Granted, you’re not likely to get a full infestation on a houseplant that’s out for a two-hour recess. But it’s not a bad idea to give it a once-over before you bring it back inside, anyway.

The Great Outdoors

What if you decide you want to keep your inside plant outside full-time? Some plants adapt quite well to outdoor living, as long as you take the time to acclimatize them to their new environment. (In other words, you can take your houseplant on a walk, just not on the wild side.) 

For example, because indoor plants are accustomed to lower light levels, suddenly placing them in full sun can scorch the leaves. Start by introducing them to indirect sunlight for a few hours a day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity over a week to 10 days.

Houseplants are also used to stable indoor temperatures, not the highs and lows on the outdoor thermometer. Ease your plants into this change by taking them outdoors for short periods during the warmest part of the day, again gradually increasing the duration over a week to 10 days. At least for the first few nights, bring them indoors. 

Increased sunlight, wind, and temperatures will dry out your plant's soil faster than indoors. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering.  Choose a sheltered location for your houseplants, especially during windy days.

Finally, wait to repot your houseplant until it has fully adjusted to being outdoors to avoid shocking it further. And know when it’s had enough: As fall approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring your houseplants back indoors before they fall victim to the season’s first frost. 

Leaders of the Pack

It’s important to note that not all houseplants can live outdoors successfully. Those that do best include:

• Cacti and succulents can be easily transitioned outdoors to a sunny location.
• Snake plants thrive in warm climates, ideally with temperatures consistently above 50°F (10°C). They won't tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. And though they can tolerate some shade, they prefer bright, indirect sunlight outdoors. Avoid intense afternoon sun, especially in very hot climates; it can scorch the leaves.  
• The Boston and Maidenhair ferns do well outdoors in shady or partially shaded areas. They prefer moist soil and humid conditions.
• Creeping fig is another houseplant that can thrive outside in shade or partial shade.
• Spiderwort grows outdoors in full sun to partial shade in warmer climates.

Strike Up the Band

Whether you plan to take your houseplants outside for a break or keep them there until the temperatures drop, proper planning and care will ensure they thrive. And just remember: No one minds if it rains on a plant parade.